Grad recognized in his own ceremony

by Lynda Hills

John

This year's indigenous students recognition ceremony will have a special guest. Roger John, the man who laid the groundwork for this important ceremony, will be one of the honoured students. John graduates this month with a master's of education in counselling psychology.

"Usually I'm the emcee so it will be kind of strange," he says.

John is originally from Shalalth, a small village in the B.C. Interior. He came to UVic in 1989 and graduated with a BA in psychology in 1995. After working at the Victoria Native Friendship Centre as a youth counsellor and family support worker, John returned to UVic as the aboriginal student advisor for the faculty of human and social development.

It was in this role that John established the indigenous students recognition ceremony. Designed to recognize the accomplishments of aboriginal students, the ceremony also provides the opportunity for students to involve their extended families.

"At regular convocation, students were restricted to two tickets and often had to choose between parents, grandparents, children and even their chief," he says.

John points out the value of aboriginal students being recognized within their own communities. Holding the ceremony in an aboriginal environment is also important. In the summer, the event occurs at an Esquimalt Big House and in the fall it takes place at Wawaditla, another First Nation longhouse.

The ceremony includes First Nations dancers, an opening prayer led by a Coast Salish chief or elder, a feast, and then individual acknowledgements. Students are called up by department or school and given a gift by someone in their department of study.

"Students stand on a blanket as a way of raising them up," John says.

Representatives from UVic's vice-president academic and provost office and the dean of human and social development are invited to speak. At the end of the ceremony students also have a chance to speak. "It's their opportunity to thank family," says John.

He stresses the importance of having First Nations children present at the recognition ceremony. "They can see that they can graduate and can still be aboriginal when it's done." he says.

John's friendly face can be seen around the UVic campus as he continues to create a welcoming environment. "UVic is a place where aboriginal students can succeed," he says.